Factors influencing early mobilisation for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery from multiple perspectives: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Objectives Despite early mobilisation as a key component of enhanced recovery after surgery pathways for pancreatic surgery, the implementation of early mobilisation remains unsatisfactory. What factors influence the implementation of early mobilisation from the lens of all stakeholders is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the influencing factors of early mobilisation in pancreatic surgery from the perspective of patients, family members and health professionals.Design A qualitative descriptive design using individual interviews and focus groups.Setting and participants Twenty-two patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, 10 family members and 10 healthcare professionals from a large university teaching hospital in China.Methods We collected data on participants’ views on factors influencing early mobilisation after pancreatic surgery. Two researchers independently reviewed the transcripts and emergent coding. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results Three main categories that influenced the implementation of early mobilisation in pancreatic surgery were identified: (1) attitude towards early postoperative mobilisation (eg, perceived advantages or disadvantages of early mobilisation), (2) subjective norm (eg, impact from health professionals, family members and fellow patients) and (3) perceived behavioural control (eg, knowledge, abilities, resources and environment).Conclusion Factors influencing early mobilisation are diverse and multidimensional. The successful implementation of early mobilisation requires the dedication of both patients and healthcare professionals.